RFID tag and blood container/system with integrated RFID tag

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to arrangements for attaching an RFID tag to a liquid container, and particularly to a blood components container. The RFID tag may be inserted in an enclosure, such as peel tab, or in a sealed cup attached to a container port. The tag could alternately be embedded in a molded plug or component attached to a port. The RFID antenna could be painted or stamped on the surface of the container. Or the tag could be inserted into the container to float freely in the liquid components. The RFID source may be secured around the neck of a rigid or semi-rigid container, attached with a tether or attached to a connector assembled in association with a blood component or other fluid flow path.

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/066,189, filed Mar. 10, 2016, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/512,741, filed Oct. 13, 2014, which is adivision of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/788,734, filed Mar. 7,2013, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/723,928, filed Nov. 8, 2012, all of whichis are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates to blood containers and processingsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a blood orblood component container and/or to a blood or blood component flowsystem having a radio-frequency identification (RFID) source or tagassociated therewith.

BACKGROUND

A disposable plastic container and tubing set is typically used forcollecting blood or blood components from a donor. For many years suchcontainers have incorporated labels containing bar codes that include adescription of the container type and the product code informationassigned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the intendedcontents of the container, for example whole blood, red blood cells orplatelets or other components. There are significant limitations to barcode labels. Among these is the requirement that a bar code be in theline of sight of a scanner. Not only does this mean that each individualbar code must be made accessible to the scanner, but also the bar codeitself cannot be degraded or obscured in any way. Since the bar codesare susceptible to being folded or crumpled, a technician is oftenrequired to manually straighten or smooth them out to make themreadable. Also, the labels on frozen blood containers can becomeencrusted with ice, which can make the bar code unreadable.

It has been previously generally proposed to use radio frequencyidentification (“RFID”) tags with blood bags for tracking purposes andto avoid some of the drawbacks associated with barcode labels. Forpurposes of this description, RFID “tag” is used in accordance with itswell-known and ordinary meaning, in which it includes a microcircuit ormicrochip combined with an antenna, allowing it and the object to whichit is attached to be tracked via wireless communication. RFID “datasource” may be used interchangeably with RFID “tag” herein, and nodistinction is intended.

Turning back to the discussion, there have been issues with the use ofRFID tags in connection with blood containers. First, the tag mustadhere to the international ISBT 128 data integrity standard governingblood bag labeling. Second, the tag cannot create a risk of contaminantsleaching into the blood. Third, the tag must survive for long durationsat a wide temperature range, including steam sterilization,pasteurization and/or long periods at sub-freezing temperatures. Theserequirements make the incorporation of an RFID tag in a blood containera non-trivial matter.

It has been suggested that if an RFID tag is simply adhered in a flatplanar configuration on the blood container, the fluid in the containerwill absorb the electromagnetic waves, rendering communication betweenthe RFID tag and the reader/writer unreliable or impossible. See U.S.Pat. No. 7,703,687, which is incorporated by reference herein.Furthermore, since the blood container is typically soft and pliable, ifthe RFID tag is simply adhered on the blood container, ordinary handlingof the blood container has a tendency to flex the RFID tag and may causeseparation of the tag's antenna from the rest of the tag's circuit. TheU.S. Pat. No. 7,703,687 patent addresses these issues by using astand-off mounting label that has a mounting part for adhering to thecontainer and a holding part foldably connected to the mounting part.The holding part mounts the RFID tag and can be flexed to dispose thetag in a plane separate from that of the mounting part.

Other arrangements for securing an RFID tag to a blood container areshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,285, also hereby incorporated by reference.Several of these entail placing the RFID tag directly on the body of thecontainer, with the tag either held in its own bag or retained by filmlayers attached to the container walls. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,285patent also shows extensions of the container walls forming acompartment for receiving the tag.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to RFID tags and systems orcombinations in which RFID tags are associated with blood or bloodcomponent containers and/or with blood or blood component fluid flow orprocessing systems, whether by affixing the tag on or to or in thecontainer or otherwise providing a physical connection between the tagand the container or the tag and a portion of the blood or bloodcomponent flow system. As used hereinafter, no distinction is intendedbetween “blood container” and “blood component container” unlessexpressly set forth, and “blood container” will include “blood componentcontainer” unless expressly noted otherwise. Similarly, no distinctionis intended between blood or blood component processing systems or flowpaths.

Several embodiments are disclosed herein that include a blood containerin which the RFID tag is associated with the container in various ways,including: inserting the tag inside the port protecting peel tab on theblood container; embedding the tag in a molded plug inserted in port ofthe blood container; attaching the tag to a molded component such as abreakaway cannula inserted in a port of the blood container; placing thetag inside a cup-shaped port, securing the port with a plug andattaching it to a port of the blood container; painting or stamping theRFID tag antenna directly on the sheeting of the blood container; orinserting the tag into the blood container to float freely in the liquidcomponents when filled. Other embodiments or arrangements disclosedinclude blood containers or systems in which the RFID tag is attached toa blood container or processing system by a tether or by capturing theRFID tag between the container body and a cover, cap or connector. Yetother embodiments include an RFID tag that includes a connectorconfigured for attachment inline in a fluid flow path associated with ablood or blood component container or blood or blood componentprocessing system.

In one aspect of the present subject matter, a blood component containerassembly includes a rigid or semi-rigid blood component containercomprising a body, a neck extending from the body and terminating in aport, and a connector mounted in association with the port, and an RFIDtag secured to the container.

In another aspect of the present subject matter, a blood componentcontainer assembly includes a flexible blood component container, agenerally tubular member, such as a port tube, extending from thecontainer, and an RFID tag located within the tubular member.

In a further aspect of the present subject matter, a blood componentcontainer assembly comprises a flexible flood component container, anenclosure formed by peel tabs carried by the container, and an RFID tagenclosed within the enclosure, and the peel tabs are manually openableto allow access to the RFID tag.

In yet another aspect of the present subject matter, a blood componentcontainer has a wall with an exterior surface, and an RFID antenna ispainted, printed or stamped directly onto the exterior surface.

In another aspect of the present subject matter, a blood componentcontainer assembly includes a blood component container having aninternal chamber for receiving a blood component and an RFID tag locatedwithin the chamber.

In a still further aspect of the present subject matter, a bloodcomponent container assembly includes a blood component container and anRFID tag secured to the container by a tether.

In another aspect of the present subject matter, an RFID tag fortracking a blood component is provided that includes an RFID scancomponent and a tether for permanently attaching the scan component to aproduct.

In another aspect of the present subject matter, an RFID tag is providedfor use in association with a blood component flow path, the tagincludes a connector having a fluid flow lumen extending therethroughfor in-line connection in a fluid flow path and an RFID read portioncarried by the port connector.

These but some of the general and/or more specific aspects or examplesof the present subject matter disclosed and claimed herein and are notintended to be comprehensive or exclusive of other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art blood container.

FIG. 2 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 but on a smaller scale, showinga first embodiment according to the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an alternateembodiment of the subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blood container, illustrating a furtheralternate embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blood container, illustrating a still furtheralternate embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the cup and plug used in theembodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blood container, illustrating yet anotheralternate embodiment of the subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blood container, illustrating a furtheralternate embodiment of the subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a partial side elevation exploded view of another embodimentof RFID tag attached to a plasma collection container.

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation exploded view of yet anotherembodiment of RFID tag being attached to a plasma collection container.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the assembled apparatus of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is plan view of a still further embodiment of an RFID tag thatincludes a fluid flow connector.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the RFID tag of FIG. 12 attached inline influid flow tubing of, for example, a blood collection or processing flowcircuit.

FIG. 14 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 12 assembled in-line betweenblood component container port and a tubing segment.

FIG. 15 illustrates another RFID tag that includes a fluid flowconnector.

FIG. 16 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 15 attached inline in fluidflow tubing of a blood processing or, for example, a blood collection orprocessing flow circuit.

FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 15 inline between acontainer, such as a blood or blood component container, and a tubingsegment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of this description a blood container is illustratedgenerally at 10 in FIG. 1. This is intended to represent a typical bloodcomponent container. It should be noted that the present subject mattermay be used on blood component containers that are employed with manualcollection of blood components, either primary or satellite containers,or may be used in connection with blood component containers employed inautomated systems. For that matter, the container may contain any fluidcontents that need to be identified and tracked by an RFID tag. Forpurposes of description these will be referred to herein as bloodcontainers, though it will be understood that the contents could beother than blood or blood components.

The manufacture of blood containers is well known to those skilled inthe field. Typically blood containers are made of a suitable plasticmaterial, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride. The container isformed by sealing together opposed sheets of plastic material or formingthe container by blow molding or other plastic forming process. Thepresent subject matter does not depend on how the container is formed.

FIG. 1 illustrates a blood container 10 which is of conventionalconstruction. The container 10 comprises a pair of facing plastic sheetsperipherally sealed together to define the interior chamber of thecontainer. One or more ports are provided at the end of the containerfor accessing the interior of the container. In FIG. 1 there are fourports, 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D. Obviously different numbers of ports couldbe provided (the other figures herein show containers having threeports). The ports may directly open into the container or may include apiercable diaphragm or a frangible obstruction located within the port,which can be opened by a user's external manipulation to break thefrangible obstruction and open flow through the port. Port 12A is shownconnected to suitable tubing 14. Ports 12B and 12D are sealed within anenclosure formed by what is conventionally referred to as peel tabs 16.Port 12C joins a connector 18 suitable for attachment to additionaltubing shown at 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the present subject matter. Itshows a three-port blood container with an RFID tag shown schematicallyat 22. It will be understood that the RFID tag 22 includes an antennaconnected to a suitable circuit device for communicating with an RFIDscanner/reader unit (not shown). “Scanner” and “reader” are usedinterchangeably herein. In this embodiment the RFID tag 22 is insertedinside a peel tab 16 surrounding port 12C. The peel tab secures the tag22 to the container and protects the tag from damage while notinterfering with its operation. If for some reason the tag 22 needs tobe separated from the container, e.g., to include in a patient ordonor's file, the peel tab can be opened to remove the tag.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate related further embodiments of the presentsubject matter. Both of these embodiments incorporate an RFID tag thatis embedded in or attached to a molded plug or molded component (e.g., abreakaway cannula) which is inserted in a port of the blood container.In FIG. 3 the RFID tag 24 is embedded in a molded plug 26 inserted inport 12C. In FIG. 4 the RFID tag 28 is attached to a breakaway cannula30 inserted in port 12A. Both of these embodiments provide aparticularly robust support for the tag.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate yet another embodiment of the subject matter.In this version an RFID tag 32 is placed inside a hollow, cylindricalcup 34 which has a closed bottom end and an open top end. Afterinsertion of the tag 32 into the cup 34, the cup is closed by a cover orplug 36 inserted into the open top end of the cup in the direction ofarrow A (FIG. 6). The cup and plug combination is then attached to port12C as seen in FIG. 5. Of course an alternate assembly sequence could beused wherein the cup 34 is first attached to the port 12C and then theRFID tag 32 is placed in the cup, after which the plug 36 is inserted toclose the cup 34. Optionally the plug 36 could be used in conjunctionwith some type of adhesive to prevent subsequent removal of the plug. Orsome kind of tamper-evident seal could be used with the plug to exposethe fact that a plug has been removed. As a further alternative, the cupwith RFID tag could be inserted into a tube resembling a port tube andattached to the container but not useful for or intended for accessingthe container contents.

The embodiment of FIG. 7 uses a painted RFID tag 38. The tag 38 is analuminum RFID tag antenna that is painted or stamped directly onto thesheeting of the blood container 10.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further alternate embodiment wherein afree-floating RFID tag 40 is inserted into the interior of the bloodcontainer 10. Tag 40 is free to float in the liquid components when thecontainer is filled.

Turning now to a further embodiment of the present subject matter, FIGS.9-17 illustrate additional configurations of an RFID tag that may beemployed with, for example, blood component containers and/or bloodcollection or processing systems or flow circuits (which may include oneor more blood component containers). In these embodiments, the RFID tagis not embedded into the container material or associated with thecontainer label. Instead, the RFID tag is preferably separate from thecontainer but may be irremovably attached to the container. For example,the RFID tag may be attached to a container or associated fluid flowcircuit by a hanger or tether, such as a loop or strap, or as part of acomponent of a flow circuit employed in combination with a bloodcomponent container. Such attachment configurations would allow the RFIDtag to be used potentially across a wide variety of products orcontainer shapes or configurations, and would also potentially allow forthe RFID tag to be positioned in different orientations during use.Further, such configurations may ease life cycle management of RFIDfeatures. For example, if RFID devices are improved or modified, theimproved versions may be incorporated without necessitating changes tothe actual blood component container configuration. In addition, becausethe configurations set forth below are not part of the container, theymay not need to be subjected to or to survive sterilization processes.Also, they could potentially be attached to the container or system atthe user site if so desired.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 9 depicts the upper or open end of aplasma bottle or bottle assembly 50. The plasma bottle 50 is one exampleof another type of container (in addition to bags or pouches) that iscommonly employed in the collection of a blood component—specificallyplasma. Typically, such a collection bottle includes a rigid orsemi-rigid plastic container body 52, which includes an inlet port 54 atone end. A rigid plastic connector 56 is mounted on and seals the inletport 54 for connecting the plasma bottle to inlet or outlet flow tubing(not shown). An outer cover or cap 58 is attached to the top of thebottle and encloses the connector. The cover or cap 58 may include ahinged portion that can be opened to allow user access to the plasticconnector.

In this embodiment, the RFID tag 60 is configured as a hang tag andincludes a read or scan component or region 62 that contains, carries oris otherwise attached to the actual RFID chip, and a hanger or tether 64such as a strap or loop or tie or other suitable attachment device thatsubstantially permanently attaches the reader component of the RFID tagto a component or part of the plasma bottle 50, such as to the outercover or cap 58. “Permanent” does not mean that the RFID cannot beremoved by any means or method, but that it is permanent within a rangeof normal usage conditions.

The read component or region 62 may be of any suitable size, shape ormaterial and may mount the RFID chip in any suitable manner that would,of course, permit scanning or reading of the RFID tag and, preferably,could be easily moved as needed for better scanning or readingvisibility. It is presently contemplated that the reader component andthe tether preferably would be made of any suitable plastic material.They could be integrally molded as one piece or could be separate piecesor even made of different materials, such as a metallic or wire tetherand plastic read portion, if desired. In any event, the arrangement ofFIG. 9 allows the RFID tag to be permanently attached to the plasmabottle 50 without requiring substantive changes in the manufacture ofthe bottle itself or the bottle connector, and only limited adaptationof the bottle cap. Should RFID technology change or a different RFID tagbe desired, it may be readily accommodated without requiring basicmanufacturing changes of the plasma bottle or its associated parts. Thehang tag assembly shown in FIG. 9 also lends itself to ready adaptationto other products, potentially reducing the need for a large inventoryof differently configured RFID tags.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another configuration of an RFID tag 66 employedon the plasma bottle 50. As shown there, the RFID tag has an aperture,such as a generally central aperture 68, that is large enough to fitover the neck of the plasma bottle inlet port 54, and smaller than theconnector 56 so as to be permanently captured between them. Asspecifically illustrated, the RFID tag has a generally annulus or donutshape with an outer circular edge 70 and an inner circular opening edge72. The inner opening of the RFID tag has a diameter larger than that ofthe neck of the plasma container inlet port 54 but smaller than thediameter of the connector 56. Accordingly, the RFID tag 66 ispermanently captured between the top of the plasma bottle and theunderside of the connector. As with the prior embodiment, the RFID tagmay be made of any suitable material such as molded plastic, durablefiberboard or other durable material that would withstand the rigors ofhandling, freezing, thawing and other processes to which the bloodcomponent may be subjected. The RFID chip itself could be molded within,adhered to or otherwise carried on the surface of the tag 66 so as to bereadily scanned or read by a suitable RFID scanner/reader. The capturedannulus shown in FIG. 10 could also be a way to permanently attach atethered RFID tag, such as shown in FIG. 9, to the plasma bottle,without requiring any adaptation of the cap 58.

FIGS. 12-14 show an RFID tag 74 that comprises a read or scan portion orcomponent 76 that is hingedly connected to a port connector or adaptor78. The RFID read portion 76, as illustrated, is a generally elongatedrectangular portion, although it may be of any suitable shape or size,and carries an RFID chip in any suitable fashion, e.g., by containing itin a pocket, molding it within the portion, or gluing or bonding. Theread portion 76 may be of any suitable durable material such as plasticfor disposability and low cost, and is preferably flexible and/or moldedwith or attached to the port connector portion 78 of the RFID tag. Asbest seen in FIG. 13, the RFID tag 74 preferably has a fold line 80 thatallows the read portion 76 to be positioned in different orientations.

As best seen in FIG. 13, the port connector 78 has opposed tubularextensions 82 for connecting inline with any suitable conduit, tube ortubing, such as a plastic fluid flow tubing of a blood bag collection orprocessing system, or with a blood component container itself. The portconnector includes a through lumen or bore 84 that extends through theopposed extensions and forms part of the fluid flow path when attachedinline in a flow arrangement, such as with plastic tubing and/or ports.FIG. 13 illustrates the RFID tag connected to flow tubing segments 79.The flow tubing segments may, as mentioned earlier, be part of a bloodcollection or processing system that includes a blood componentcontainer. The tubings may be connected to the port connector extensions82 in any suitable manner such as adhesive or radio frequency bonding orother. As noted above, the RFID read portion 76 of the tag 74 ispreferably hinged to the connector 78 so that the read portion may bepositioned in different orientations, as desired, during use forimproved reading or scanning.

FIG. 14 shows the RFID tag 74 of FIG. 12, with one extension 82 attachedto a blood component container 86 and the opposed extension attached tofluid flow tubing 88. Blood component containers such as blood componentpouches, bottles or bags typically including port tubes molded or sealedinto one end of the container to provide access for filling thecontainer or for removing the contents. In the illustrated embodiment,one extension 82 of the port connector 78 is sealed into or over thecontainer port tube 90 and the other extension 82 of the port connectoris attached to fluid flow tubing 88 through which blood component mayflow into or from the container 86.

As may be seen in FIGS. 12-14, the RFID tag embodiment of FIG. 12provides ready RFID identification without requiring special moldingconsiderations or labeling considerations of the container itself. Inthe event that the RFID device itself or the technology associatedtherewith changes, the change can be accommodated in the manufacture ofthe RFID tag itself and does not require other manufacturing changes ofthe blood component container or associated fluid flow system.

FIG. 15 illustrates an RFID tag 92 that is of a somewhat different shapethan the RFID tag in FIG. 12, but also includes a read or scan portion94 that carries an RFID chip and a connector 96 having opposed portextensions 98 and a fluid flow lumen 100 therethrough for connectingwith tubing or the like. The materials and construction of thisembodiment are generally as described above with respect to FIGS. 12-14,except the scan portion in FIG. 15 is preferably but not exclusivelysmaller, and generally circular or oval. It is anticipated that the RFIDtag 92 will most preferably be of one molded plastic constructionalthough other configurations are not excluded. FIG. 16 shows the RFIDtag 92 of FIG. 15 being attached to fluid flow tubing segments 102 witheach of the extensions 98 of the connector 96 being attached to plasticfluid flow tubing or tubing segments 102 associated with a larger bloodcomponent collection system or processing system (not shown).

FIG. 17 shows the RFID tag 92 of FIG. 15 attached to a blood componentcontainer 104, wherein one port extension 98 of the connector 96 extendsinto or over an access port tube 106 of the blood component container,and the other port extension 98 of the connector 96 is attached to fluidflow tubing segment 102. Thus it may be seen that a single RFID tag hasmultiple product applications, reducing the need for increased inventoryof different RFID tags for different situations and/or product designsand reducing handling costs and the risk of human error.

EXAMPLES

Without limiting the foregoing, examples of the present subject matterare found in one or more of various aspects. For example, in a firstindependent aspect of the present subject matter, a blood componentcontainer assembly includes a rigid or semi-rigid blood componentcontainer comprising a body, a neck extending from the body andterminating in a port, and a connector mounted in association with theport, and an RFID tag secured to the container.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with the preceding aspect, the RFID tag is secured to thecontainer between the body and the connector.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding two aspects, the RFID tagincludes an aperture sized to receive the neck therethrough and toprevent passage of the container body and connector therethrough.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding three aspects, the RFID tagextends generally annularly around the neck.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding four aspects, the RFID tagcomprises a generally planar member carrying an RFID circuit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding five aspects, the RFID tagcomprises a generally annular member including a generally centralaperture that is large enough to fit over the neck and smaller than thebody or connector so as to be captured between them.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding six aspects, the RFID tagincludes a tether that is secured to the container.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, a blood component container assembly includes a flexible bloodcomponent container, a generally tubular member extending from thecontainer, and a RFID tag located within the tubular member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with the preceding aspect, the RFID tag is carried by asupport member that is located within the tubular member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with the preceding aspect, the support member comprises amolded plastic member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding two aspects, the supportmember includes a receptacle containing the RFID tag.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding three aspects, the supportmember comprises a cup having an open end for receiving the RFID tag anda closure sealing the open end to contain the RFID tag within the cup.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding four aspects, the tubularmember has an open end for receiving the RFID tag therein and a closuresealing the open end to contain the RFID tag within the tubular member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding five aspects, the supportmember is a breakaway cannula.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding six aspects, the tubularmember is located within an openable enclosure at one end of thecontainer.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, a blood component container assembly comprises a flexible floodcomponent container, an enclosure formed by peel tabs carried by thecontainer, and an RFID tag enclosed within the enclosure, and the peeltabs are manually openable to allow access to the RFID tag.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, which may be used separately or with any one of the precedingaspects, a blood component container has a wall with an exteriorsurface, and an RFID antenna is painted, printed or stamped directlyonto the exterior surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with the preceding aspect, the RFID antenna is aluminum.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding two aspects, the containercomprises a pair of facing flexible plastic sheets and the RFID antennais printed, stamped or painted directly on a surface of one of thesheets.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, which may be used separately or with any one of the precedingaspects, a method of attaching an RFID tag antenna to a blood componentcontainer having an exterior surface comprises painting, printing orstamping an RFID tag antenna directly onto the exterior surface.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, a blood component container assembly includes a blood componentcontainer having an internal chamber for receiving a blood component anda RFID tag located within the chamber.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, a blood component container assembly includes a blood componentcontainer and an RFID tag secured to the container by a tether.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, an RFID tag for tracking a blood component is provided thatincludes an RFID scan component and a tether for permanently attachingthe scan component to a product.

In accordance with another independent aspect of the present subjectmatter, an RFID tag is provided for use in association with a bloodcomponent flowpath, the tag includes a port connector having a fluidflow lumen extending therethrough for in-line connection in a fluid flowpath and an RFID read portion carried by the port connector.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with the preceding aspect, the connector includes opposedextensions for attachment to fluid flow conduits and the lumen extendsthrough the extensions.

In accordance with another aspect of the present subject matter, whichmay be used with any one of the preceding two aspects, the read portionis flexibly connected to the connector so as to allow the read portionto be positioned in different orientations relative to the connector.

It will be appreciated that the description set forth above has beenoffered for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments and othermodifications to the device shown and described above will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art and may also be included within thescope of the present disclosure. The above description is not intendedto limit the scope of the subject matter of this application, which isas defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blood component container assembly comprising:a flexible blood component container; a port associated with theflexible blood component container for accessing an interior of theflexible blood component container; a cup associated with the port andhaving a closed bottom end and an open top end; and an RFID tag locatedwithin the cup, wherein the entire RFID tag is located within the cup.2. The blood component container assembly of claim 1, wherein the cup iscylindrical.
 3. The blood component container assembly of claim 1,further comprising a cover or plug at least partially located within thecup, with the RFID tag located between the cover or plug and the closedbottom end of the cup.
 4. The blood component container assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the cover or plug is irremovably associated with thecup.
 5. The blood component container assembly of claim 4, wherein thecover or plug is adhered to the cup.
 6. The blood component containerassembly of claim 3, further comprising a tamper-evident seal associatedwith the cup and configured to indicate whether the cover or plug hasbeen dissociated from the cup.
 7. The blood component container assemblyof claim 1, wherein the cup is attached to the port.
 8. A bloodcomponent container assembly comprising: a flexible blood componentcontainer; a port associated with the flexible blood component containerfor accessing an interior of the flexible blood component container; agenerally tubular member associated with the port and extending awayfrom the flexible blood component container; a cup located within thegenerally tubular member and having a closed bottom end and an open topend; and an RFID tag located within the cup, wherein the entire RFID tagis located within the cup.
 9. The blood component container assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the cup is cylindrical.
 10. The blood componentcontainer assembly of claim 8, further comprising a cover or plug atleast partially located within the cup, with the RFID tag locatedbetween the cover or plug and the closed bottom end of the cup.
 11. Theblood component container assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover orplug is irremovably associated with the cup.
 12. The blood componentcontainer assembly of claim 11, wherein the cover or plug is adhered tothe cup.
 13. The blood component container assembly of claim 10, furthercomprising a tamper-evident seal associated with the cup and configuredto indicate whether the cover or plug has been dissociated from the cup.14. A blood component container assembly comprising: a flexible bloodcomponent container; a generally tubular member associated with andextending away from the flexible blood component container; a cuplocated within the generally tubular member and having a closed bottomend and an open top end; and an RFID tag located within the cup, whereinthe entire RFID tag is located within the cup.
 15. The blood componentcontainer assembly of claim 14, wherein the cup is cylindrical.
 16. Theblood component container assembly of claim 14, further comprising acover or plug at least partially located within the cup, with the RFIDtag located between the cover or plug and the closed bottom end of thecup.
 17. The blood component container assembly of claim 16, wherein thecover or plug is irremovably associated with the cup.
 18. The bloodcomponent container assembly of claim 17, wherein the cover or plug isadhered to the cup.
 19. The blood component container assembly of claim16, further comprising a tamper-evident seal associated with the cup andconfigured to indicate whether the cover or plug has been dissociatedfrom the cup.
 20. The blood component container assembly of claim 14,wherein the generally tubular member is attached to the flexible bloodcomponent container without allowing for access to an interior of theflexible blood component container.